Ireland's High Court heard a case about caravans parked on Ministry of Defence and racecourse lands in the Curragh, County Kildare. About 30 caravans have left the area, but three remain, which the ministry says encourages others to set up illegally. The Minister for Defence is seeking an injunction against the remaining caravans, whose owners are believed to be members of the Traveller community.
Last year, a record 89 caravans were on the land, and cleaning up after them cost more than €64,000. This month, 18 more caravans arrived, then another 15, but by the time of the hearing most had left. The department is also concerned about a possible influx of caravans for a prayer meeting in Monasterevin in June. The hearing continues on May 12.